Clayton "Pete" McNeill

Clayton, lovingly known as "Pete," was born on August 2, 1947, in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Clayton L. and Amanda McNeill. The third of five children, Pete grew up in Cherry Hill where he attended Southern High School, graduating in 1965. He went on to attend Coppin State College, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics and Education. Pete later received a Master of Education degree from Coppin State in 1975. In 1986, he earned his Doctorate in Education from Temple University.

It was at Coppin State College where Pete met the love of his life, Pamela Maria Carpenter. An all around college athlete, Pete played basketball and baseball and participated in track and field. It was at a basketball game where the two first locked eyes. Pam often tells the story of how her knees buckled after Pete winked at her from the bleachers. The two would later marry on November 22, 1975. From this union, they were blessed with two sons, Anthony and Cory.

After graduation, Pete taught in the Baltimore City School System for three years and then returned to his alma mater in 1972 where he began a long career as an administrator at the college.

He served as Co-Director of the Coppin Urban Resource Exchange that year and then advanced to Director of Student Activities in 1973. During that time he also served as Director of Auxiliary Services.

Pete became Associate Dean in 1986 and was promoted to Vice President for Student Life later that year. He was responsible for orientation, counseling, career planning and placement, employment, housing, publications and recreation programs. He was instrumental and oversaw the building of the first residence hLLA r row traditionally commuter school. Pete was also known for spending countless hours looking for financing to keep students in school.

Pte servies as Vice President for Student Life for 12 years, and during this time he was appointed and serves as Interim Director of Athletics for several years.

In 2004, he was appointed to Executive Vice President of Administration and Finance and oversaw the university's budget. In addition, he oversaw a $325 million campus expansion that included a physical education complex, science and technology building and health and human services building.

Pete retired from Coppin in 2006. In 2013, Pete and Pam established two endowed scholarships in the Coppin State University Development Foundation.

Pete was known for many things, but what he will be most remembered for is how lovingly he opened his home to family and friends. Sundays are always spent watching football, cooking-out on the grill, playing games and just enjoying family time. Pete had a tremendous love for family and instilled that value in his sons. Pete loved clothes and was known as a stylish dresser. He was an authority on fashion and style and was often consulted by male family members.

Pete was an avid collector of African American art. He loved the Orioles, Ravens, golf, movies and watching the History channel. Pete was a member of the Epsilon Nu Sigma chapter of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity and the Prince Hall Masons.

Pete was survived by his wife Pam of 38 years; two sons, Anthony Carpenter and Cory McNeill; two daughters-in-law, Robin and Kim; two sisters, Mamie McDaniels and Patricia Watts; a brother, Tyrone McNeill; sister-in-law, Bette McNeill; two brothers-in-law, Tyrone Watts and Reverend Boyd McDaniels, Jr.; five grandchildren, Brionna, Austin, Anthony, Gabrielle, and Cayden, several nieces and nephews, as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

A Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, February 8, 2014 at the St. Gabriel Roman Catholic Church. Rev. Msgr. thomas L. Phillips officiated. Pallbearers were David Camak, Alex Glaze, Justin Glaze, Marcus Glaze, Marshall Glaze and Donnell Moses. Honorary Pallbearers were Anthony Carpenter, Austin Carpenter, and Cayden McNeill.